The first case of sever pneumonia caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) was detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and spread rapidly around the world. Pneumothorax has been reported as an uncommon complication following COVID-19 infection which caused by alveolar rupture, air leakage and interstitial emphysema after alveolar damages. Bilateral pneumothorax is also an uncommon life threatening complication induced by COVID-19 which has to be considered in patients present with late sudden dyspnea after Coronavirus infection. In this case report, we are presenting a patient with mild COVID-19 pneumonia with a left massive pneumothorax following a late sudden dyspnea in third week of the disease, during the hospitalization, in addition to aggravating the respiratory condition, right pneumothorax was also added.

In order to understand the community environment of giant panda and red panda, so as to increase the understanding of their ecological evolution and facilitate conservation and management. In our study, spatial data monitored by infrared camera from 2017 to 2018 in Wolong, China was used to analyze the spatial association network of terrestrial animals. The results show that a total of 35 terrestrial species is recorded, of which 20 species formed a spatial network including giant panda and red panda. In the network, giant panda and red panda are directly related, and 9 other species have direct spatial associations with them. Further analysis show that: (1) Giant panda and red panda already ate bamboo at the early stage of community evolution. Bamboo eating helps them blend into the community and coexist. (2) Giant panda had moderate niche separation with most of the species that have directly spatial associations, the same to red panda. There is a commensalism relationship between giant panda and red panda: red panda may create suitable habitat for giant panda to some extent, which is beneficial to the survival of giant panda. (3) In the existing community, giant panda has no natural enemies, and has a mutually beneficial relationship with golden snub-nosed monkey. (4) In the community, red panda has predator: the yellow-throated marten. Yellow-throated marten not only preys on red panda, but also may have evolved a unknown counter-anti-predatory strategy to attract red panda, that can improve the chances of meeting and preying. The red panda also moderately creates suitable habitat for golden snub-nosed monkey, which is conducive to the survival of golden snub-nosed monkey. (5) In the community, commensalism, mutualism, and counter anti-predation strategies of predators enhanced inter-specific associations significant. Compared with giant panda, red panda has more interspecific associations and transfers more energy.

OBJECTIVES: Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), a novel circovirus, imposes great burdens on the global pig industry. The penside tests for detecting PCV3 are critical for assessing the epidemiological status and adjusting disease prevention in the context of no vaccine available. METHODS: A one-step molecular assay based on visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (vLAMP) was developed for simple and rapid detection of PCV3. We compared its sensitivity and specificity with TaqMan quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and applied the developed assay in the epidemiological study of 407 pooled swine sera collected in the whole China mainland during 2017-2018. We also explored the feasibility of the vLAMP assay for detecting crude samples without a prior DNA isolation step to expand its application field. RESULTS: Results showed that the vLAMP assay reliably detected PCV3 cap with a equal 10 DNA copies detection limit compared to that of Taqman qPCR assay. In the epidemiological study, the PCV3 positive detection rate for 407 swine pooled sera detected by the vLAMP assay was 37.35% (152/407) while it was 39.01% (159/407) for Taqman qPCR. For the direct-detection method, the results kept perfect specificity (100%) but displayed lower sensitivity (100% for CT<32), indicating the method not suited discrimination of low viral loads samples. CONCLUSIONS: The one-step vLAMP is a convenient, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic validation procedure on penside and will enable epidemiological surveillance of PCV3 which has widely spread in China mainland.

A thorough understanding of the vertebral artery (VA) variations and course of the artery and its related branches could significantly enhance the efficacy and safety of interventions involving the neck and spine. Here, we aimed to investigate the incidence of various VA variations in individuals presenting with signs and symptoms of stroke with our neurology team. In this cross-sectional study, all patients referred to our specialized medical imaging center and underwent neck CT-angiography (CTA) were enrolled in this study for two years from September 2019 onward. Patients’ information forms were obtained to collect demographic data. An experienced board-certified radiologist evaluated the CTA images, recording the characteristics of VA, regarding dominance and any possible anomalies. These included anomalous origin, anomalous route, anomalous branching, stenosis, hypoplasia, atresia, thrombosis, and dissection. A total of 125 patients (53.6% females; mean age, 60.7 (11-87)) were included. In the case of VA dominance, 66.4% of cases were co-dominant while 16.0% were right, and 12.8% were left dominant. Overall, males had more VA anomalies than females, 24.8% and 17.6%, respectively (in general, 42.4% of all participants) (p = 0.020). Among patients, 4.0% (n = 5) had an anomalous origin and anomalous branching was reported in 5 patients (4.0%). Among the variations, significant stenosis (18.4%) and hypoplasia (17.6%) were the most prevalent anomalies with the earliest one having the higher rate. While anomalous branching was reported in 5 patients (4.0%). VA variations are relatively common and should be addressed during procedures involving the neck region.

Background Determination of culprit drug in drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is crucial. Skin tests have been utilised, although it remains unclear how sensitive these are. We set out to determine the value of skin tests in the assessment of drug causality in DRESS. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted for publications from 1996 onwards of skin tests (skin prick test = SPT, patch test = PT, intradermal test = IDT) performed in clearly defined DRESS cases. Outcomes of testing, drug culpability assessments and challenge tests data were extracted. Results 17 articles met inclusion criteria. In 290 DRESS patients, patch testing was most frequent [PT = 97.2% (n=282), IDT = 12.4% (n=36), SPT = 3.1% (n=9)]. Positive results were noted in 58.4% (n=160/282) of PT, 66.5% IDT and 25% SPT. When confidence of drug causality was high (n=73 of 194), testing did not correlate well with clinical suspicion: PT 37.6%; IDT 36.5% (n=19 of 52). Direct comparison of skin testing with provocation testing (n=12) showed 83.3% correlation. Positive IDTs were reported in 8 negative PT cases. Conclusion Skin tests, particularly PT and IDT, have been reported as tools for diagnosis of causal drugs in DRESS. Heterogeneity in methodology, results analysis and reporting of cohorts, makes meta-analysis to determine sensitivity and specificity of published literature impossible and highlights weaknesses in the field. We propose that international collaboration is essential to harmonise the methodology and reporting measures from hypersensitivity testing studies in larger cohorts.

In addition to solvent, the effect of distal histidine on ligation of NO to Ferrous-Heme using high level density functional theoretical methods as well as the QTAIM, has been investigated. It has been predicted that the distal histidine as well as microhydration, lead to a significant stabilization on the binding of NO to 6 coordinated Heme-FeII (roughly by 2.70 kcal mol-1). This is while, no significant alteration on binding energy of NO to 5 coordinated Ferrous-heme has been determined. Concerning the bond nature of FeII-NO in heme, the QTAIM analysis predicts a partially ionic/covalent interaction. From computational perspective, it has been also revealed that microhydration is quite more reliable than that of implicit solvent model in describing the weak interactions in biological systems.

Laminarization nano sheets perovskite catalytic performance in water treatment and energy review is rare. The self-assembly materials showed super surface， nano sheet layers as well as small crystalline, self-assembly nano sheets are powder samples which means it can be facially recycled after photo catalytic reaction as well as stored at normal conditions, but pristine nano sheets must be stored in alkaline solution as well as will undergo aggregation. In review, auxiliary, the co-doping, computational simulation, self assembly, nano sheets have a better prospect. Different preparation methods of perovskite are compared, the research progress of perovskite modification is described. Perovskite catalysts also have some shortcomings, such as: the mechanism of catalytic degradation needs to be further explored. Utilizing compound preparation methods, finding better doping materials as well as exploring the appropriate structure as well as loading carrier, utilizing biblio metric method to be the hot spots of perovskite materials in photo catalytic research. In recent years, the research trend of perovskite materials has gradually changed from simple ion doping to complex doping, as well as then to load.

Background Social media (SM) is ubiquitous in modern society. How SM provides information, advice, and community to families coping with childhood cancer is poorly understood. We sought to understand how caregivers of children with cancer use and are affected by SM. Procedure A survey was administered to caregivers of children who were receiving or within the last 5 years received chemotherapy. Differences in variables across groups were evaluated using non-parametric tests and chi-square tests. Results 48/50 caregivers acknowledged use of SM. Facebook was the most used platform (91%). 58% and 56% used SM to read and share information about their child’s cancer, respectively. 42% were comforted while 38% were bothered by cancer-related information on SM. 14 participants (29%) sought a second opinion based on information from SM. Caregivers of children with a poor prognosis were more likely to discuss information from SM with their oncologist (mean difference=1.19, p=0.003) and use treatment from SM that was not initially recommended by their oncologist (OR=1.82, 95% CI 1.37-2.41). Conclusion SM is commonly used by caregivers to obtain and share care-related information. Many noted positive and negative effects of SM on emotional wellness. SM influenced treatment decisions, and this effect was stronger with poorer prognosis. Our results demonstrate the dichotomous impact of SM in medicine—it is a source of both solace and anxiety, a place to confirm treatment decisions and to create doubt in the treatment decisions of the oncologist. This illustrates the importance of discussing SM with caregivers of children with cancer.

Introduction: Cherry laurel, locally called “karayemiş” or “taflan,” is grown and consumed in Turkey, especially in the Eastern Black Sea region. In addition, it is used as a traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of cherry laurel molasses against oxidative damage of the brain and kidney induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Methods: A total of 18 adult male Wistar albino rats weighing approximately 250–300 g were used in the present study. The rats were divided into 3 groups: control, CCl4-treated, and CCl4-treated + cherry laurel molasses (2 mL). Cherry laurel molasses was applied as a gavage for 21 days following a single-dose CCl4 injection. The neuroprotective and nephroprotective effects of cherry laurel molasses were evaluated by measuring lipid peroxidation, antioxidant parameters, and nitric oxide (NOx) levels using spectrophotometry. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and NOx levels (p<0.05) were increased, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activities were decreased (p<0.05), in the brain and kidney tissue of the rats in the CCl4-treated group as compared with those in the control group. Cherry laurel molasses administration (CCl4-treated + cherry laurel molasses group) resulted in a significant reduction in the MDA and NOx levels (p<0.05), and a significant increase in the SOD, GSH, and CAT activities (p<0.05), in the brain and kidney tissues as compared with the CCL4-treated group. Conclusion: Cherry laurel molasses administration has a protective effect against the oxidative damage caused by CCl4 in the brain and kidney tissue of rats.

The resource utilization of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important and promising topic in energy chemical engineering. The previous products developed in our group through H2S conversion are sulfur or mercaptan acids. Alternative way to convert H2S is still desirable. Herein, we developed a green and mild method to convert H2S into mercaptan alcohols by the addition reaction with epoxide mediated in tertiary amine-functionalized protic ionic liquids (PILs). Reaction kinetics, substrate scope, and regeneration experiment have all been explored. Almost quantitative conversion of substrates was realized with catalytic loading of PILs at 30 C. Water extraction was used to recycle the catalysts from the reaction system. It is believed that the excellent results, together with its operational simplicity and the ability to successively reuse the catalyst, make this new methodology environmentally benign and cost-effective. The generality of the H2S resource methodology gives it potential for application on an industrial scale.

Oil spills and industrial and household oily wastewater discharge cause environmental and economic concerns. Emerging Janus membranes have generated widespread interest as next-generation oil/water separation membranes with anisotropic wettability because of their specific, on-demand separation ability. However, the one-step separation of complex wastewater remains to be achieved. Herein, a pH-responsive modified polystyrene microspheres/zinc oxide/carbon nanotubes/polyvinylidene fluoride (S/PS/ZnO/CNTs/PVDF) membrane is rationally designed with Janus surfaces for hydrophilicity/underwater lipophobicity and lipophilicity/underoil hydrophobicity. This study demonstrates that the underlying mechanism of on-demand water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsion separation is related to wettability, adhesive force, and intrusion pressure. The Janus membrane can achieve one-step separation of complex wastewater comprising oil, bacteria, organic dye, and metal ions. The effective removal of dyes is due to synergistic effects of electrostatic adsorption and photodegradation. This facile strategy for construction of a smart Janus separation membrane has application potential in on-demand oil/water separation and practical complex wastewater separation.

Objective: To characterize differences in the prenatal diagnosis of birth defects (BDs) associated with singleton and multiple pregnancies. Design: An observational study conducted using data from a BDs surveillance system. Setting: Eastern China. Population: A total of 54,572 babies with BDs, born in 90 hospitals located in 30 regions of Zhejiang Province between 2012 and 2018. Methods: BDs were diagnosed by obstetricians using ultra sonographic, genetic tests et al., on the basis of the ICD 10th Revision (Q00–Q99). Main outcome measures: Differences in incidence and characteristics of BDs associated with singleton and multiple pregnancies. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to characterize relationships between the prenatal diagnosis of BDs and multiple pregnancies, with adjustment for covariates. Results: Totals of 49,872 singletons and 3,324 multiple pregnancies with BDs were analyzed. The mean incidences of BD for single and multiple pregnancies were 26.29 and 109.99 per 1,000 births, respectively (χ2=7600, P<0.001). After adjustment for covariates, BDs associated with multiple pregnancies were less likely to be diagnosed prenatally (adjusted OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.32–0.40); as were congenital heart defects, congenital hydrocephalus, cleft lip with cleft palate, congenital talipes equinovarus, cleft lip without cleft palate, limb reduction defects, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, trisomy 21 syndrome, congenital malformation of the urinary system, and other chromosomal malformation, compared with singletons with BDs. Conclusions: Multiple pregnancy is associated with a significantly higher risk of BD, but a significantly lower prenatal diagnosis rate. Therefore, the healthcare of women with multiple pregnancy and their fetuses should be strengthened.

Introduction/Background: The nationwide lockdown enforced due to the devastating effect of the coronavirus disease -2019 had a definite impact on sleep health. Objective: To look out for any change in the duration, pattern and quality of sleep among pharmacy students that can be attributed to the lockdown. Methods: A google form-based cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out after approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee in the month of July 2021 among 310 pharmacy students. The validated form was electronically administered after obtaining the volunteer informed consent. All the data pertaining to duration, pattern and quality of sleep before and during the lockdown was collected and analysed using STATA version 16.0. Results and Discussion: Out of the total 310 participants, majority of the respondents were females 242 (78.06%). The study revealed an increase in the time needed to fall asleep (p-value<0.001) and in the total duration of sleep (p-value<0.001). A delay in the time of sleep in the morning (p-value<0.001) and at night (p-value<0.001) was also one among the many significant results. Well known reasons or consequences of disturbed sleep such as jerky leg movements (p-value<0.001), snoring (p-value<0.001), frequent nightmares (p-value<0.001) and anxiety (p-value<0.001) were also increased as a direct effect of the lockdown. Conclusion: The study has been able to establish the incidence of significant disturbances in the sleep architecture of pharmacy students due to the lockdown.

Aims: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion for Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an invasive therapy to reduce stroke incidence and death. Cardiac rehabilitation based on exercise training has become part of the standard care for patients with heart disease. Studies are needed to evaluate the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on exercise capacity, cardiac function, quality of life (QoL), residual permeability, device endothelialization and safety in AF patients with LAA occlusion. Methods: A single-center, three-month randomized controlled trial comparing an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program with a control group was conducted. AF patients underwent LAA occlusions were randomized to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (rehabilitation group) versus usual care (control group). All patients received assessments of echocardiography, cardiac CT, scale survey, physical function and exercise capacity. All analyses were performed using SPSS 19.0. Results: Finally, 33 patients in control group and 30 patients in rehabilitation group entered final analysis. The six-minute walk distance, handgrip strength, leg strength and left ventricular systolic function increased significantly after the study period in the rehabilitation group compared with baseline, which have significant interactions with control group. Significant differences between groups were found for the mental and physical component summary scales on SF-36, also in all of the 8 subscales. The incidence of peri-device leak and incomplete endothelialization in cardiac rehabilitation group were both significantly lower than that in control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation could promote device endothelialization and reduce peri-device leak in AF patients with LAA occlusion, which also has benefits in QoL, exercise capacity, physical function and systolic left ventricular function.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is used as a biomarker for molecular imaging of cancer. Therefore, we synthesized two new Gd-DO3A-peptide complexes with an EGFR-binding peptide (NH2-CMYIEALDKYAC-COOH; EBP). To evaluate the effects of agents on targeting EGFR-overexpressing tumours, especially for more accurate cancer diagnosis and prognosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), EBP-Gd-DO3A and EBP-(Gd-DO3A)3 were prepared. For in vitro cellular Gd accumulation and MRI analysis, after incubation with EBP-Gd-DO3A, EBP-(Gd-DO3A)3 or Gadovist® (a clinical macrocyclic agent) at equimolar Gd concentrations, the EGFR-overexpressing cells showed significantly higher cellular accumulation of the Gd-containing conjugates than the non-EGFR-overexpressing cells. While the cellular Gd accumulation with Gadovist® was nearly the same in all the cells. However, the cellular Gd accumulation with EBP-Gd-DO3A and EBP-(Gd-DO3A)3 was significantly reduced in the EGFR-overexpressing cells that were mocked with an inhibitory anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, demonstrating the involvement of the EGFR pathway in the transport of both conjugates. In vitro MRI assays revealed stronger signal enhancement in the EGFR-overexpressing cells than in the non-EGFR-overexpressing cells. For in vivo pharmacokinetics and MRI analyses, the biodistribution and MR imaging was performed in the mice bearing MDA-MB-231 (EGFR-overexpressing) or U13MG (non-EGFR-overexpressing) tumour xenografts. The biodistribution and in vivo MRI experiments indicated that the improved target-specific signal enhancement of EBP-Gd-DO3A and EBP-(Gd-DO3A)3 was due to the increased accumulation of Gd in the EGFR-overexpressing tumour cells. The conjugates enabled EGFR-specific tumour MR imaging, demonstrating the potential clinical translation of these synthesized contrast agents for EGFR-based MR molecular imaging in vivo.

EPO has been found to be protective to multiple injuries long time ago. Discovery of the so-called tissue protective receptor “EPOR/βcR” is astonishing among EPO researchers. βcR is a receptor subunit shared by IL-3/IL-5/GM-CSF and EPO, but no attention has been paid to these three cytokines in EPO research. This article unprecedentedly presented that potential relations between EPO and IL-3/IL-5/GM-CSF should be highly valued. We respectively compared GM-CSF and IL-3 to EPO/EPO derivatives, and summarized similar and opposite functions between these two cytokines and EPO/EPO derivatives. Here, drawbacks of the EPOR/βcR theory were deeply discussed and new hypothesis about the mechanism of EPO protection was proposed. In a word, referring to stagnation of EPO research and defects of current recognition, reassessment of our understandings about EPO’s protective function is of great urgency.

Termites are social insects that live in colonies underground. Termites feed on a wide range of plants found within diverse habitats of Luanda sub County. This study aimed at assessing feed preference of edible termites and analyzing their phytochemical composition. In this study, termites were exposed to ten different test plants in their natural habitats to assess feed preference. The test plants were Grevillea robusta, Sugarcane, maize, Blue citronella grass, Eucalyptus, Mango, Avocado, Neem, Bamboo and a mixture of all the ten plants. Small pits were dug in the ground where the ten treatments were placed and replicated four times each. The test plants were placed in the evening then covered with soil block. The number of termites feeding on the test plants was counted after 12 hours the following day. There were separate trials for crushed and uncrushed feed substrates. The feed substrates that showed high feed preference were selected for phytochemical analysis. The plants whose crude extract was obtained were Grevillea robusta, Bamboo, Eucalyptus, Cypress, Maize and Sugarcane. This study has revealed that crushed feed substrates had a high level of feed preference by termites p<0.05. The mixture of all the feed substrates also showed high termite preference and a mean and SE of 676.500±41.7a. Phytochemical analysis of the crude plant extracts revealed that Eucalyptus had the highest number of phytochemicals present 9 out of 12. The identified phytochemicals were Saponins, Tannins, Alkaloids, Resins, Cardiac Glycosides, carbohydrates, phenols and flavones.

A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is seen rare but it is the most common thoracic venous anomaly .We report a 30-year-old male presented by repeated attacks of exertional chest pain over the past 2 months that were precipitated by moderate exertion and last for few minutes and relieved by rest. Echocardiography showed an evidence of subaortic flow turbulence with a visible subaortic membrane and mild aortic regurgitation . The Aortic valve was trileaflet with normal leaflets thickness and excursion . Contrast echocardiography using agitated saline injection in the left antecubital vein showed an opacification of the coronary sinus before the right ventricular outflow tract. Non-invasive transthoracic echocardiography study by agitated saline contrast can be easily performed to confirm the related venous anomaly. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest with contrast confirmed the persistence of both right and left SVCs and then, The patient was reassured with symptomatic therapy and he was requested a regular follow up in outpatient clinic. Thus, most adult patients with PLSVC and subaortic membrane should be reassured by symptomatic management.

Solar radiation is the primary energy source that drives the physical and biochemical processes and determines the gross primary production (GPP) of an ecosystem. Even though the relationship between solar radiation and GPP is acknowledged, no radiation index (RI) has been developed to estimate GPP. Using data consisting of a total of 267 site-years obtained from 54 flux sites of diverse ecosystems, we introduced a RI that showed a strong linear relationship with GPP. Importantly, the estimation of GPP using the RI is independent of ecosystem types, making it a simple and universal method to estimate the productivity of any terrestrial ecosystems. The results from this study demonstrated the reliable performance of the RI in estimating GPP and its potential application in upscaling and prediction.

Background: Neutralizing antibody (NAb) is an important immunological marker in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to explore the different changes of NAbs level in COVID-19 patients and screen specific laboratory findings to predict disease severity. Methods: Eighty-eight COVID-19 patients, forty-eight healthy controls and sixty-two healthy vaccinated people were included. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the electronic medical record information system. The NAbs levels were determined by the double antibody sandwich method. The first set of laboratory results of the COVID-19 patients was selected after onset to construct the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Correlation curves were also constructed to explore the relationship between laboratory findings and NAbs. Results: In mild cases of COVID-19, NAbs levels reached the peak at 25-30 days after onset. NAbs levels during convalescence were lower than those after onset and were found to gradually decrease during 0-15 days. In severe cases, NAbs levels peaked at 20-25 days after onset. The ROC analysis demonstrated that the area under the curve of C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.94 at 20.42 mg/L cut-off with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 82% respectively. The levels of NAbs, CRP, glucose (Glu), neutrophils (NE) and urea nitrogen (Urea) in mild cases were lower than those in severe cases (p<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that CRP was positively associated with NAbs. Conclusion: The levels of NAbs dynamically changes at different stages in COVID-19 patients with various severities. CRP and other laboratory findings provide the basis for clinical differential diagnosis.

Purpose: Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) is a large multifunctional peptide which plays a role in diverse cellular processes, including lipid metabolism, cell growth, migration, and regeneration. sLRP1 (soluble form) can be detected in serum and sLRP1 can serve as a biomarker of atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic diseases. This study investigated the concentrations of the circulating serum sLRP1 and explored its potential role as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Fifty-two patients with diabetic retinopathy and 71 controls were enrolled based on well-defined eligibility criteria. Venous blood samples were collected after 12 hours of fasting. sLRP1 concentrations were measured using the commercially available ELISA in an accredited laboratory. Results: The mean age of patients and control groups were 63.6 and 48.5 years, respectively. The median disease duration was 8.1 years. The median serum sLRP1 levels were lower in patients with diabetic retinopathy compared to the controls (2.11 µg/mL versus 2.44 µg/mL, p=0.034). No significant correlation was observed between the sLRP1 and serum lipid levels. Conclusions: The sLRP1 levels are low in patients with diabetic retinopathy compared to healthy controls, and future studies are needed to assess sLRP1 as a potential biomarker in diabetic retinopathy.

A document by Antoine El Khoury. Click on the document to view its contents.

Coronary artery anomalies, a rare entity, are usually asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally. Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left anterior descending artery is a rare variation of the single coronary artery anomaly. Wellen's sign occurs due to either critical stenosis in the proximal left anterior descending artery or coronary steal phenomenon. Here we report a case of a 57-year-old gentleman where these phenomena contributed together leading to Wellen's syndrome due to anomalous origin of the right coronary artery. He underwent successful coronary artery bypass grafting for triple vessel coronary artery disease.

Brugada syndrome is an inherited arrythmia syndrome characterized by a right bundle branch block and dynamic ST-segment changes in precordial leads V1-V3. In patients with Brugada syndrome, fever is a known trigger that may induce arrythmia. For patients with Brugada syndrome who contract COVID-19, the inflammatory response poses risk of causing ventricular arrythmias. The following case discusses management of a patient with Brugada syndrome presenting with electrical storm after contracting COVID-19. Treatment should be focused on aggressive antipyretic management along with concomitant pharmacological therapy.